Maroon Smokey Eye: A smokey eye doesn't always have to be black. Switch up the typical take with a warm tone like maroon. (Photo via @sandrallosamakeup)
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Making fancy cocktail recipes always puts us in the mood to have a good time – and putting together edible garnishes atop floral beverages just adds that *special something* to a classic cocktail that might've been quite boring without them.
But sometimes we don't feel like having to mix up an elaborate drink (even if it's supposedly healthier than our usual sip) just to quench our cocktail craving. Believe it or not, mixology doesn't have to be complicated. These deliciously simple cocktail recipes feature all kinds of flavors that work with every palate.
Some of these drinks look complicated, while some of them look simple, but they're *all* quick and easy options for any dinner parties, or to sip on during a Super Bowl watch party. These easy cocktail recipes will take the hard work out of bartending, so you can spend more time enjoying the fruits of your labor — not to mention, impressing your guests. Scroll for endless easy cocktail options!
What are the 6 basic cocktails?
The top 6 basic cocktails are: Old Fashioned, Daiquiri, Martini, Whiskey Highball, Flip, and Sidecar.
What are the 10 most popular cocktails?
- Old Fashioned
- Moscow Mule
- Negroni
- Mojito
- Whiskey Sour
- Daiquiri
- Margarita
- Mai Tai
- Bloody Mary
- Manhattan
Blood Orange Mezcal Cocktail
Grab some mezcal, lime juice, and blood orange soda for this cocktail. You're going to need plenty of it, especially if you're making drinks for your friends. Feel free to snack on blood orange slices while you make the cocktail! (via Brit + Co.)
Citrus Rosé Sangria Cocktail Recipe
Rosé all day, please. What's a better cocktail to sip on than something light and fruity? We used oranges, lemons, and limes to create a drink we'll be sipping all summer long. (via Brit + Co.)
Caramel Apple Cocktail
This fun cocktail is like the classic, delicious treat in drink form. It's sure to become your new fave! (via Brit + Co.)
Chocolate Martini
You can never have too much chocolate in your life, so this easy cocktail recipe is a slam dunk. (via Brit + Co.)
"Speak Now" Spritz
Who knew Taylor Swift could play a part in your cocktails? These ones are inspired by her "Speak Now" album and are so fun and colorful. (via Brit + Co.)
Bubbly Cranberry Cocktail
This cocktail has notes of sweet honey, fresh tart cranberries, rosemary, and cardamom. Basically, it's fall in a drink. (via Brit + Co.)
Aperol Spritz
This delicious spritz incorporates yummy pears for a drink you won't forget. We love fun cocktail recipes for fall. (via Brit + Co.)
Vegas Bomb Shot
This is a classic easy cocktail recipe that you can have on hand for any party this year. The combo of whiskey, peach schnapps, and Red Bull might not sound like your go-to drink mix, but just trust us on this. (via A Spicy Perspective)
Sparkling Campari Orange Cocktail Recipe
Slightly bitter and slightly sweet, this drink is full of fizzies, which convinces us that it's just as good for winter as it is for summer. The best part is that this drink is refreshingly simple to make. (via Imagelicious)
The Elyx Spritz
Mix 1.5 oz Absolut Elyx Vodka and 1.5 oz Lillet Rose in a highball glass, then top with Fever Tree Elderflower Tonic and add a lemon. Stir this cocktail recipe gently and add a lemon wheel garnish. (via Absolut Elyx)
Jameson Old Fashioned
It's always time to sip on something familiar. Swap bourbon for Irish whiskey in this remake of the classic old fashioned. (via Lisa’s Dinnertime Dish)
Tito's Cherry Limeade
Unlock some serious nostalgia with this grown-up version of a cherry limeade. What makes it an easy cocktail is the addition of only 4 ingredients – cherry-infused Tito's, limeade, and a vibrant lime and cherry garnish. (via Tito's Vodka)
Whiskey Sour Punch
Mix up this sweet and sour whiskey punch for your party crew. There's more than enough to go around, no matter how many guests ended up showing up. (via Tastefully Eclectic)
Patrón Tequila Watermelon Patio Punch
Slice off the end of a watermelon so that it stands flat. Slice off the opposite end to make a "lid" and hollow it out (saving the flesh and juices). Blend until liquified and strain.
Mix 25 oz. Patrón Silver, 4 cups Watermelon juice, 1 cup Fresh lime juice, 1 cup Simple syrup, .5 teaspoons salt, and add to the hollowed out watermelon. You can also add a watermelon tap if you have one, or use the watermelon as a punch bowl. (via Patrón)
Easy Pomegranate Margaritas
With five ingredients and 10 minutes, you can churn out this easy cocktail recipe for any last-minute plans. Aside from the fact that it tastes good, we're also obsessed with pomegranates, so we give this one two thumbs up. (via Baker by Nature)
Pumpkin Apple Shandy
You’ll want to drink this classic cocktail made from apple cider and pumpkin beer all year long. With both of these iconic flavors in one drink, you can have the best of both fall worlds. (via Jennifer Meyering)
Lemon Drop Martini
This mixed drink packs the perfect amount of tartness, balanced out with some good old sugary sweetness. This is one of those cocktail recipes that reminds us of summer, so we'll keep sipping it to manifest the warmer season. (via Barley & Sage)
Grapefruit Martini
Just 5 ingredients allow you to work your way to a refreshing cocktail! This grapefruit-clad drink is perfect for end-of-summer gatherings. (via Mixop)
Frosting Shots
Frosting Shots
These two-ingredient shots taste just like a celebration. Anyone with a serious sweet tooth will want to get their hands on these sugary shots. (via Crazy for Crust)
Canción Habañero Mango Margarita
There's nothing like a delicious mango flavor to put you in a sunny mood! The best cocktail recipes are ones that channel summer.
Shake 1.5 oz infused Canción Tequila, .5 oz triple sec, 2 oz lime juice, and .25 oz Finest Call Mango Puree together, then serve the mix over ice with a Tajin rim and an Orange wheel garnish. (via Canción)
Kentucky Lemonade
Here’s a cocktail you’ll want to sip all year: sparkling lemonade spiked with bourbon. We're big fans of all things bubbly, so this drink is getting added to our list, STAT. (via The Chunky Chef)
Oaxacan Rusty Nail
For a drink that lives up to its name, try this take on the rusty nail, made with mezcal, Drambuie, and bitters. Don't wory, there's no rust involved. (via Gimme Some Oven)
Patrón Tequila Mockingbird
Combine, 1.5 oz. Patrón Silver, 2 oz. Fresh watermelon juice, .15 oz. Fresh lime juice, 4 Fresh basil leaves, fresh black pepper drops, and simple syrup to taste. Shake the mix with ice, then strain onto fresh ice in a a double old fashioned glass and garnish with a watermelon slice. (via Patrón)
Moscato Sangria
Sangria is *so* simple to make since it's prepped in a large batch. If you're serving a party, this classic fruity drink is a must-make. (via Culinary Hill)
Sparkling Fig Cocktail
Vodka, champagne, figs and sprinkle of sugar come together to make this fancy-lookin' cocktail that really isn't all that involved. If you have a few minutes to spare, try this delicious sip out for yourself! Figs go *amazing* in cocktail recipes. (via Barley & Sage)
Pink Champagne Sangria Cocktail Recipe
We love a fruity cocktail, and this Champagne, grapefruit, and pomegranate sparkler is no exception. Say hello to your new pink drink sip. (via The Cookie Rookie)
Easy Bourbon Slush
Okay, but have you ever tried bourbon slushified? This recipe is reminiscent of an Arnold Palmer, too, which gives it some amazing flavor, not to mention the pleasing texture. (via Live Eat Learn)
Creamsicle Delight Cocktail
A mixture of whipped-cream vodka, orange juice, and ginger ale, this cocktail tastes just like a popsicle. Don't forget to add a maraschino cherry before serving! (via The Blond Cook)
Irish Cream Pie Cocktail
With its sugar-cookie rim, this Irish cream pie cocktail is perfect for dessert. It's also a great excuse to make sugar cookiesto pair. Coffee and vodka are def a power duo for cocktails. (via Crazy for Crust)
Clean Blackberry Mint Prosecco Cocktail Recipe
This is a great cocktail for anyone who loves blackberries because it's definitely the star of the recipe. Mint adds a wonderful flavor contrast, while the Prosecco adds a bubbly experience that you can't miss! (via Olive You Whole)
The Negroni
Whether you're in need of a drink to go with your dinner or with your favorite holiday movie, this is a simple and classy choice that you can sip on all night long. Just don't forget the iconic orange zest in your cocktail recipes. (via Most Hungry)
Empress Gin French 75 Easy Cocktail Recipe
There's a good chance that if a cocktail is in a fun color, we're more likely to drink it. So you'll understand why we immediately bookmarked this gorgeous drink. The fact that it has a combo of champagne and lemon juice doesn't hurt either. (via Barley & Sage)
Irish Coffee
Dissolve some brown sugar in whiskey, then add boiling coffee and a layer of frothy cream right on top for the best Irish Coffee around. Another trick you can do is pouring your cream over a cold spoon so that it floats on the rest of the drink. Coffee lovers, unite! (via Culinary Hill)
Lebanese Avocado and Strawberry Cocktail
This booze-less fancy drink makes for a great evening treat or breakfast addition. It's got avocado, strawberries, almonds, and honey that all mix together for something sweet and creamy. (via Forks & Foliage)
Strawberry Iced Tea Cocktail and Mocktail
Picture yourself sippin' something sweet outside on the porch, and this iced tea cocktail comes into view. It's the perfect summer drink, but we'll take any excuse to make it any season. (via Amanda Wilens)
Tamarind Margarita
If you're a regular margarita drinker, try this twist on the classic. It features Tamarind syrup, tequila, lime juice, and Tajin for an unexpected, complex, and flavorful addition to your happy hour. Creative cocktail recipes FTW! (via Cilantro Parsley)
Berry Lemonade Margaritas
Citrusy and sweet, these raspberry lemonade margaritas are just the thing to drink when you're dreaming about warmer days *and* when it starts getting hot again. (via Crazy for Crust)
Peach Vodka Martinis Simple Cocktail
Made with just three ingredients, these peachy martinis are too good to pass up. Have these mixed drinks at a bridal shower or at brunch. They go great with any occasion. (via Growing Up Gabel)
Frozen Orange Prosecco
Trade in your frozé for this citrusy frozecco. Even though it's frozen, the orange flavor gives it a wintertime twist. (via Foodness Gracious)
Tito's Summer Spice
Shake some Tito's, hibiscus liqueur, and lime juice together to craft a balanced easy cocktail! (via Tito's Vodka)
Canción Lyrical Mint Margarita
Raspberry lemonade, tequila and club soda?! We'll take two please! For a batch of this drink, mix 1 bottle of Canción Blanco Tequila, 1 can of frozen lemonade, 32 oz water, 32 oz seltzer or club soda, 12 oz Raspberry Lemonade juice Fresh Mint. (via Canción)
The Bee’s Knees
Honey lovers, take note — you'll want to memorize this simple cocktail. It features a honey syrup that you'll want to add to everything from here on out. (via Hungry by Nature)
Grilled Pineapple Margarita
This easy cocktail will pair superbly well with your summer BBQ plans. (via Mixop)
Mason Jar Margaritas
Mix up a batch of these mason jar margaritas, then let guests help themselves at your next get-together. Everyone will be happy when you make cocktail recipes like this! If you're a salt rim kind of person, go for it! (via Stetted)
Espresso Martini
Four ingredients (including your favorite coffee liqueur), and you've got yourself a delicious sip that you might've just paid a nonsense $15 for if you had gone out. Just keeping it real! (via Culinary Hill)
New York Sour Cocktail
Bourbon, red wine, lemon juice, and simple syrup are all you need to make this bold cocktail. You probably already have a lot of that at home! (via Dishes Delish)
Guava Margarita
A good margarita can never be passed up, especially this uniquely-flavored guava one. You'll need four ingredients and a hearty shake to make the easiest drink ever. (via Cozy Cravings)
Es Berry Berry Good Cocktail
Shake, 1.5oz Dos Hombres mezcal, 1/2oz Blackberry Purée, 1/2oz Lime Juice, 1/4oz Velvet Falernum and 3/4oz Pineapple Juice and serve on the rocks for a delicious and refreshing cocktail! (via Dos Hombres)
Raspberry Rosé Sangria
With just a few fresh raspberries and a splash of soda, a bottle of rosé gets transformed into a sangria reminiscent of summer. We'll be counting down the months until it warms up outside! (via Stress Baking)
Piña Colada Punch
This piña colada punch makes a long weekend at home feel like a mini vacation no matter what time of year it is. Add some mini umbrellas for the full experience. (via Yes to Yolks)
NOLET's Watermelon Slushy
Cut a watermelon into chunks that are the size of ice cubes, and freeze for two hours on a tray lined with parchment paper. Make a mint lime syrup with 1 cup Sugar, 1/4 cup Fresh Lime Juice, 1 bunch of Fresh Mint, 3/4 cup Water by heating them in a saucepan until the sugar dissolves. Blend frozen watermelon chunks and 1/2 cup of the syrup until it's a slushy consistency. Add NOLET's Silver Gin, pour, and garnish with watermelon, mint, and black sesame seeds. (Recipe used with permission, via NOLET's)
Micheladas
Like a cross between beer and a Bloody Mary, micheladas are the savory brunch cocktail recipes you’ve been missing out on. And yes, that is shrimp in the cocktail. (via Imagelicious)
Blood Orange Margarita
Colorful blood orange juice makes these margaritas immediately seem more dramatic, though the recipe itself stays simple so that it's easy for you to make yourself. (via Simmer and Sauce)
What are the most popular cocktails in 2023?
Mezcal drinks, Espresso Martinis, Pornstar Martinis, Lemon Drop Martinis, Picklebacks, and New York Sours are the top trending drinks of the year.
NOLET’S Watermelon Cooler
Muddle four basil leaves with 0.5 cups of watermelon in the bottom of a shaker. Add ice, 1.5 oz. NOLET’S Silver Gin, 0.5 oz. Elderflower Liqueur, and 0.5 oz. Lemon Juice, and shake until chilled. Strain into a balloon glass and garnish with a basil leaf. Recipe used with permission, via NOLET’s)
Grapefruit Groove
Get ready to shake the most refreshing sip of the summer, using Tito's, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and agave nectar. (via Tito's Vodka)
Spiked Ginger Lemonade
Robust ginger beer mixes with fresh lemon juice and vodka perfectly. The result? These bracingly bold drinks that you can serve in a mule mug. (via Whitney Bond)
Spiced Pear and Bourbon Sparkler
Combine 1 cup pear juice, a 2-inch nub of ginger peeled and sliced, 2 cinnamon sticks, and 5 cloves in a pot. Cover and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes. Take off the heat and add 1/4 cup lightly packed brown sugar. Stir until fully mixed, cool, and strain. This is your Spiced Pear Simple Syrup, and it can last in the fridge for up to one week.
Pour 1.5 ounces of Bourbon, the syrup, 0.5 ounces of lemon juice, and ice into a cocktail shaker and shake for 30 seconds or until the surface of the cocktail shaker is cool to the touch. Strain over a chilled coupe glass and top with Prosecco. (Recipe used with permission, via Lisa and Erika of Boozy Kooties, Swerve, and FitVine)
Citrus White Wine Sangria Cocktail Recipe
Made with white wine, this sangria is a little lighter than its crimson counterpart, which is great for anyone who doesn't like heavy drinks but still wants to take part in the fun. (via Joyful Healthy Eats)
Watermelon-Infused Vodka
On the rocks or sipped with soda, it’s hard to go wrong with the fresh taste of this homemade watermelon vodka. Watermelon cocktail recipes always taste super refreshing! (via Dishes Delish)
Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Margaritas
These tropical margaritas are made just a little spicy thanks to a sugar, salt, and cayenne pepper rim. It'll give you just enough of a kick! (via The Endless Meal)
Lavender Mojitos
If you're a fan of lavender recipes, then you have to make this easy cocktail recipe. Lavender sparkling soda is the secret to making these easy, floral mojitos. (via West of the Loops)
Skinny Salty Dog
Grapefruit vodka and seltzer water put a healthier twist on the Salty Dog, a cocktail recipe usually made with grapefruit juice and plain vodka. (via The Every Kitchen)
Tequila Mule
This easy cocktail recipe only requires three ingredients (tequila, lime juice, and ginger beer) for a flavor combo that is classic for a reason! Serve in a classic mule mug with extra limes. (via Cozy Cravings)
Cucumber Gin Cocktail
Aside from its bright green hue, this stunning cocktail is the ultimate refresher. (via Crowded Kitchen)
This is a healthy take on the classic marg – with a fruity twist. It still has the mezcal and tequila that you usually add to your drinks, but features a healthy soda alternative. Plus, it only takes five minutes to put together. (via Rachel Mansfield)
Maple Old Fashioned
We love how maple makes anything taste more autumnal, and this five minute, easy cocktail recipe has fall written all over it. If you can't resist fall flavors, even in spring, this drink is the one for you. (via The Endless Meal)
PATRÓN Watermelon Basil Margarita
Shake 1.5 oz. Patrón Reposado, 1 oz. Fresh watermelon juice or puree, 1 oz. Fresh lime juice, 1 oz. Agave nectar, and 3 Basil leaves in a shaker with ice. Strain onto fresh ice in a double old fashioned glass and garnish with a basil leaf and watermelon wedge. (via Patrón)
Mythology Gin Fizz Recipe
love the foam on this drink — it's almost like the cappuccino of cocktails. Dry shake 2 oz Mythology Needle Pig Gin, 0.75 simple syrup, 8 drops lavender bitters, 1 egg white, then add ice and shake again once foamy. Double strain into a Collins glass with no ice and top with soda until the foam reaches the top. Sprinkle with lavender. (via Mythology)
Mythology Garden Gnome Cocktail Recipe
We can't wait to sip this Garden Gnome in the garden because, well, where else would we drink it? Shake 1.5 oz Mythology Needle Pig Gin, 0.25 oz dolin genepy, 0.5 simple syrup, 0.75 lime juice, and 1 oz cucumber basil puree, then strain into a Collins glass over ice. Top with soda, black pepper, and garnish with a cucumber wheel. (Recipe used with permission, via Mythology)
Champagne Cocktail
Let's be real — you never need a real excuse to pour out a little champagne in your cocktail recipes. These easy cocktails elevate your go-to drink just a little more! (via Culinary Hill)
Sorel Spritzer
Combine 2oz sparkling wine and 1oz Sorel in a champagne flute and garnish with an edible hibiscus flower for an easy wintertime sip! (via Sorel Liqueur)
Lavender Lemonade Cocktail
most commitment you'll need to make to prep this refreshing drink 10 minutes to make a homemade simple syrup. Trust us, the effort will be worth it for all that amazing lavender flavor. (via Amanda Wilens)
Which easy cocktail recipes are you mixing up for your next get together? Tag us @BritandCo or join our newsletter for more inspiration or check out our new cooking and baking classes!
Lead image via Tito's Vodka.
This post has been updated.
In spring movieThe Greatest Hits, Harriet loves vinyls — just like actress Lucy Boynton! "At home, I have a turntable," Lucy tells me. "My dad got me this really cool red record player, so it's like my pride and joy. And my dad and I — music has been the center of our relationship, so he's been giving me loads of his old vinyls since getting it. And the sound quality on vinyl is like nothing else. You hear the crunch of what it was supposed to be, and the sound in the room. So, yeah, that's where my heart is."
She's currently listening to Sam Cooke, but there's another artist who has a special place in her heart: Bob Dylan.
"Dylan's lyrics throughout the history of his career have spoken to young people and their restlessness," she says. "I remember always knowing that and enjoying his music aesthetically, and then hearing 'The Times They Are A-Changin'' when I was in my late teens. In that restlessness when you're trying to be a full person, you feel like an adult, but you're obviously still so young and so in denial of that. And I heard the lyrics to that and just felt so seen and...suddenly it's like I have someone far more eloquent than myself articulating exactly how I feel."
The same can be said for contemporary artists like Beyoncé, Olivia Rodrigo, and Taylor Swift, whose music consistently tops charts because it makes listeners feel seen. And in The Greatest Hits, music isn't just an emotional experience, it's a physical one too.
What is The Greatest Hits about?
Image via Searchlight Pictures
The Greatest Hits follows Lucy Boynton's Harriet, who can travel back in time by listening to specific songs — and who's hunting for the one track that will help her save her late boyfriend. Think of it like About Time with some of the relationship devastation that comes from A Walk To Remember. (For her part, Lucy was inspired by everything from Like Crazy to My Girl to The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion). This movie has got everything you need from a good rom-com: incredible actors, memorable makeup from Euphoria's Donni Davy, and quirky details like a silent disco and the fact Harriet always wears headphones.
But the movie is also incredibly grounded. While Harriet is focused on her past relationship, a brand new one begins to blossom in the present, throwing an unexpected (if welcome) wrench in Harriet's plans. As a self-proclaimed "nostalgic, sentimental person," Lucy Boynton says The Greatest Hits made her think about living in the present in a whole new way.
"I knew it was better to live present and forward-looking," she says. "But this job calls for you to be so in tune with your past and feelings, and it's so useful when you can draw from your own experience. So I kind of kept one foot in the past deliberately...seeing the way that prohibits Harriet from being aware of what's happening in her present tense because you just miss opportunities. Something that could catch your eye if you're open to it won't happen if your peripheral is clouded by the past."
"I think it's such a temptation, I don't know how I would be able to resist if given the opportunity to go back," she continues. "But I don't know that it's fate so much as relinquishing the power. Where it's like, you don't know what the other road looked like...You don't know what option B was and yeah, something terrible could have happened [but] you might not know the people that you know now. And so I think as painful as things can [be], I don't know any other road and I would choose the safety of the road I know now and can learn from."
Who's in The Greatest Hits cast?
Image via Searchlight Pictures
In The Greatest Hits, Lucy stars opposite Justin H. Min and David Corenswet. She's worked with Will Poulter on Why Didn't They Ask Evans and Emma Watson on Ballet Shoes, but in 2023, she also had a role in the biggest movie of the year: Barbie!
While we only see her onscreen for a brief moment, Lucy says being a doll in Weird Barbie's (Kate McKinnon) house was a dream. "It was wild just to be in the room with those brains," she says. "It's undeniable. Greta is brilliant, but Kate McKinnon is a comedic genius...Just like hearing her riff, hearing her improv line after line was heaven. It was like being front row at SNL or something, and that's the joy of being on any kind of set. It's the experience in the moment. So yeah, that was a comedy show that I loved."
Lucy's also looking to the future and would "just love to be in anything written by Michaela Coel," she tells me. "I think she's an extraordinary, completely unique voice. And just brilliant. So, yeah, anything penned by her. I think Andrea Riseborough is a really extraordinary actress, Brit Marling. You know, the list is extensive."
Rapid Fire With The Greatest Hits' Lucy Boynton
Image via Searchlight Pictures
Brit + Co: I love seeing all the dates Harriet goes on with her new love interest David. What's your idea of the perfect date?
Lucy Boynton: I think anything that's spontaneous. My best dates and my best memories have been days that [have] just unraveled as you go along them.
B+C: As much as I love dates, I also love having nothing to do. When was the last time you canceled plans?
LB: Embarrassingly recently. I feel like this press tour has kept me in line and kept me in check with the schedule. But it'll probably be tomorrow.
B+C: What is your on-set must-have?
LB: A book and mints because you're in really close proximity with people. So mints are a must-have and then a book because you're inevitably waiting around between set changes and it's always longer than you think it's going to be.
B+C: What is on your summer 2024 bucket list?
LB: Say yes to more things. I think, especially in a freelance job, it's really easy to want to keep the window open for any work that comes up. And I'm trying to be better at taking the reins on my own life and saying yes to more opportunities with friends and family. So honestly, just like a holiday. I'm going to go on holiday.
B+C: We've talked so much about nostalgia, is there anything particular you miss from the pre-smartphone era?
LB: Oh my God, yes. Not being cross eyed and glued to [your phone], I think. Just that thing of like, when you're waiting for someone, just being in your environment. And I know when you're young, that's for some reason humiliating, to look like you're not doing anything. But when it was just looking up and looking around, whereas when I have a beat [now], I'm probably looking at my phone and that's just horrific.
Where can I watch The Greatest Hits?
Image via Searchlight Pictures
You can stream The Greatest Hits on Hulu now.
Where was The Greatest Hits filmed?
Image via Searchlight Pictures
Principal photography for The Greatest Hits took place in 2022 around Los Angeles, California. Specific locations include Echo Park, Silver Lake, Chinatown, and Venice Beach! If you ask me, this is even more of an excuse to take an LA trip in 2024 ;).
Would you go back in time if given the chance? Let us know on Facebook! Stream The Greatest Hits now and check out all the May Movies you can see next month.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Lead image via Searchlight Pictures
If you're a Taylor Swift fan, then you probably know about Taylor Swift & Kim Kardashian's history. What started as Kanye West interrupting Taylor's acceptance speech at the 2009 VMAs — a moment that altered the course of pop culture history — spiraled into a very public feud that gave us Reputation and always seems to reappear in a new form. And after the release of The Tortured Poets Department, Swifties think we've got another piece of the puzzle with Taylor's new song "thanK you aIMee."
In true Taylor fashion, the popstar actually hinted at the song in October 2023 when she wore a $24 clip from Anthropologie called the "Aimee" clip! She loves to add all kinds of clues and references within her outfits, and I love that this one is so affordable. Here's everything you need to know. Don't forget to check out Every Pop Culture Reference In Taylor Swift's The Tortured Poets Department.
Is "thanK you aIMee" actually about Taylor Swift & Kim Kardashian?
Image via Big Machine Records/YouTube
There is plenty of evidence suggesting "thanK you aIMee" is about Kim Kardashian & Taylor Swift. The first and most obvious is that the title of the song only has three letters capitalized: "KIM." The song talks about "Aimee" (who Taylor admits actually has a different name in real life), a bully figure who beats Taylor's spirit "black and blue."
In the summer of 2016, Kanye West (Kim's husband at the time) released his song "Famous," in which he takes total credit for Taylor's fame following the 2009 VMAs incident. Taylor claimed she never gave him permission to call her a bitch in the song, a video leak from Kim seemed to show the opposite (the video turned out to be edited). At the time, Kim even told GQ that “[Taylor] totally knew that that was coming out. She wanted to all of a sudden act like she didn’t.”
#TaylorSwiftIsOverParty started trending on Twitter, Taylor Swift deleted all social media and stopped doing interviews for three years, then returned with a vengeance on the "Look What You Made Me Do" music video in 2017. The video starts off with a zombie Taylor burying the "nicer" version of herself.
Taylor Swift's "thanK you aIMee" mentions "It wasn't a fair fight or a clean kill // Each time that Aimee stomped across my gravе // And then she wrote hеadlines // In the local paper, laughing at each baby step I'd take." If you ask me, it definitely sounds like a reference to the music video and maybe even Kim's interviews.
Why does "thanK you aIMee" have random capital letters?
Image via Monica Schipper/Getty Images
Taylor Swift loves hiding clues in her titles, lyrics, and messages. And historically, she's hidden words by using random capital letters. That means "thanK you aIMee" is supposed to draw our eyes to "KIM."
The Lyrics To "thanK you aIMee"
Image via Larry Busacca/Getty Images for NARAS
Verse 1: When I picture my hometown // There's a bronze spray-tanned statue of you // And a plaque underneath it // That threatens to push me down the stairs at our school
Pre-Chorus: And it was always the same searing pain // But I dreamed that, one day, I could say
Chorus: All that time you were throwin' punches, I was buildin' somethin' // And I can't forgive the way you made me feel // Screamed, "F*ck you, Aimee" to the night sky as the blood was gushin' // But I can't forget the way you made me heal
Verse 2: And it wasn't a fair fight or a clean kill // Each time that Aimee stomped across my gravе // And then she wrote hеadlines // In the local paper, laughing at each baby step I'd take
Pre-Chorus: And it was always the same searing pain // But I prayed that, one day, I could say
Image via Christopher Polk/Getty Images
Chorus: All that time you were throwin' punches, I was buildin' somethin' // And I couldn't wait to show you it was real // Screamed, "F*ck you, Aimee" to the night sky as the blood was gushin' // But I can't forget the way you made me heal // Everyone knows that my mother is a saintly woman // But she used to say she wished that you were dead // I pushed each boulder up the hill // Your words are still just ringing in my head, ringing in my head
Verse 3: I wrote a thousand songs that you find uncool // I built a legacy, which you can't undo // But when I count the scars, there's a moment of truth // That there wouldn't be this if there hadn't been you
Bridge: And maybe you've reframed it // And in your mind, you never beat my spirit black and blue // I don't think you've changed much // And so I changed your name and any real defining clues // And one day, your kid comes home singin' // A song that only us two is gonna know is about you, 'cause
Image via Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
Chorus: All that time you were throwin' punches, it was all for nothin' // And our town, it looks so small from way up here // Screamed, "Thank you, Aimee" to the night sky and the stars are stunnin' // 'Cause I can't forget the way you made me heal // Everyone knows that my mother is a saintly woman // But she used to say she wished that you were dead // So I pushed each boulder up that hill // Your words were still just ringin' in my head, ringin' in my head
Outro: Thank you, Aimee // Thank you, Aimee
Do you think "thanK you aIMee" is referencing the feud between Taylor Swift & Kim Kardashian? After you listen again, check out All Of Taylor Swift's Albums, Ranked!
Lead images via Dimitrios Kambouris/Monica Schipper/Getty Images
We know that Taylor just released The Tortured Poets Department, sending the internet (and us) into a frenzy to decipher her lyrics and determine who is the subject of each song (we're looking at you, Matty). But we’re still stuck on her last album, Midnights — and more specifically, "Lavender Haze." While we're still obsessed with that song — especially the acoustic version — we're even more obsessed with the shade of purple itself.
Lavender took over the 2023 spring/summer fashion shows, but lavender’s lighter cousin, lilac, is taking the crown as the costar of the season alongside butter yellow this year. This pastel shade has always been a springtime favorite, and it's honestly the perfect color to add to your wardrobe right now. With that in mind, here are a few on-trend pieces to add to your wardrobe to enjoy this season’s fave color.
Shop The Lilac Color Trend Here!
J.Crew Collection Layered Sequin T-Shirt
This sequined top and matching skirt from J.Crew could be my favorite set I’ve seen this season. The top is a sheer and shimmery short-sleeve with a matching colored camisole underneath. The shirt comes with a shorter liner for a fun and flirty evening look, without showing too much skin. Both pieces come in lilac and are covered in light-reflecting sequins.
Coach Jonie Bag
An easy way to incorporate a new color is through accessories, like shoes, jewelry, or bags. I adore Coach, and I'm always checking their website and socials for their latest drop. I’ve been eyeing this purple Jonie Bag for a while and it might be time to click “order.”
Abercrombie Textured Button-Through Shirt Dress
This loose and airy short-sleeve mini dress from Abercrombie is perfect for hot summer days in the office or running errands. Available in petite, regular, and tall, there’s a length for everyone. Pair with flats and a light jacket or blazer for an easy and cool office look.
GAP Mid Rise Crinkle Gauze Wide-Leg Pants
I practically live in linen pants once the temp hits 70 degrees. This style is a "breathable cotton" and comes in a variety of colors, including lilac. These are effortless and easy to throw on with an elastic waistband. I'd love to see them with a graphic tee and sambas!
Abercrombie Ottoman Slash Top
I’m a huge fan of the Ottoman tops from Abercrombie, and this lilac one is in my shopping cart as we speak. This fitted sweater top is a closet staple and easy to pair with linen trousers and sneakers or a mini skirt and heeled sandals.
Urban Outfitters Bri Double Bow Satin Mini Dress
As someone who is obsessed with bows, this lilac dress with bow straps is too cute. I’ll be wearing this satin mini all summer long.
H&M Open-Back Gathered Top
With a variety of purple, lavender, and lilac shades — and a just bit of yellowy orange — this tie-dye-inspired tank is the perfect going out top for spring and summer. The gathered seams on the side provide a great shape and the open back is perfect for a hot summer night.
Adidas Sambas OG
As someone who is getting bored of plain, white sneakers, I am seriously considering adding a colorful tennis shoe to my (overflowing) closet. Adidas Sambas are everywhere right now, and this purple pair is so cool.
J.Crew Garçon Classic Shirt In Striped Cotton Poplin
This everyday button down shirt is a classic from J.Crew, but the color and print make it feel fresh and new. This top is perfect with white trousers and white sneakers for a cute and casual daytime outfit or with black trousers and pumps for an office-ready look.
Lululemon Varsity High-Rise Pleated Tennis Skirt
Even Lululemon is into lilac. This trendy tennis skirt, which comes in a variety of colors, is now available in lilac. Designed for tennis but also perfect for all your Hot Girl and Wine Walks, this fun and bright skirt will make any workout better.
Banana Republic Ariella Taffeta Midi Dress
Midi dresses are the best for summer — they’re comfortable, easy to throw on, and always look cute. This purple one from Banana Republic is no exception, and would be a perfect pick for your next vacay.
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